A woman has been handed a 12-week suspended prison sentence after her two pet dogs killed a Jack Russell and badly injured its owner while running loose in Crewe.

Ann Marie Potts, of Crossway, has also been banned from owning a dog for 10 years following the vicious attack, which took place on August 11 last year.

At about 9.20am that day police were called to reports that two Staffordshire terrier dogs were on the loose and had attacked and killed a Jack Russell on Mellor Street.

The owner of the Jack Russell, a 53-year-old woman, also sustained injuries to her arms as a result of the incident, while a 66-year-old man was uninjured but extremely shocked by the ordeal.

Following an investigation by Detective Constable Andy Kent, the owner of the two Staffordshire terriers was identified as 44-year-old Potts.

After voluntarily attending Crewe Police station for questioning, Potts was then summonsed to appear at Crewe Magistrates Court on March 24 where she pleaded guilty to four counts of being the owner/person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury.

She was handed a 12 week prison sentence suspended for 12 months, banned from owning a dog for 10 years, and ordered to pay £250 compensation, an £80 victim surcharge and £85 costs. A £665 benefits deduction order was also made.

PC Kent said: “This case demonstrates the robust approach that we take towards irresponsible animal ownership. I want to reassure residents that we will investigate such incidents to obtain a deserved outcome.

“I believe that this sentence reflects the severity of the incident and I hope that it brings some form of closure for the victims involved who lost their pet dog as a result of the irresponsible behaviour demonstrated by Potts.”